The Perak government always provides help to the Orang Asli community in the state, said Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

He said the state government was always concerned about the needs of the community, but they must show their determination and strive to improve their standard of living.

"For example, if an Orang Asli (settlement) area is suitable as a tourist area, they start first and when it gets a response, then the state government will provide assistance.

"I want to make the people of Perak great, not to make the people weak and looked down on by the public," he told a press conference outside the Perak State Assembly today.

Last Friday, Ahmad Faizal, when launching a community programme with leaders at SK Pos Musuh Landing Zone in Tapah, reported that the culture of asking for handouts of the Orang Asli community should be abolished if the community wanted to progress.

- Bernama